Brush with adjustable bristles

ABSTRACT

A brush includes a housing and a brush head. The brush head is slidably engaged with the housing to vary a bristle density of the brush head.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to cosmetic application tools and, more particularly, to a brush with adjustable bristles.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, cosmetic brushes have been developed to have brush heads with specific dimensions and shapes. For example, cosmetic brushes are constructed to have brush heads with precise heights, widths, and tapers. These brush heads are typically made of natural or synthetic bundles of flexible bristles.

Known brushes have brush heads that are fixed in size and shape to apply a specific type of cosmetic in a specific pattern. Multiple different-sized known brushes having a same overall shape are used to apply the specific cosmetic in a varying pattern. Thus, a user must store, clean, and maintain a wide variety of multiple brushes to apply different types of cosmetic in different patterns. Therefore, a need exists for brushes that may be varied in size.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a brush includes a housing and a brush head. The brush head is slidably engaged with the housing to vary a bristle density of the brush head.

In another aspect, a brush includes a housing and a plunger slidably engaged with the housing. The plunger includes a body and a plurality of bristles connected to the body. The plurality of bristles are compressed by the housing when the plunger translates inwardly relative to the housing.

In another aspect, a brush includes a housing, a brush head, and a body. The brush head is slidably engaged with the housing. The body is connected to the brush head and is slidably disposed in the housing to selectively compress the brush head against the housing and expand the brush head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first side view of a first example brush in an extended position;

FIG. 2 is a second side view of the first example brush of FIG. 1 in the extended position;

FIG. 3 is third side view of the first example brush of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the extended position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a housing of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a plunger of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 8 shows a bristle of the plunger of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an isometric drawing of a detent of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the housing of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIGS. 4, 5, and 10 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3 in a first intermediate position;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3 in a second intermediate position;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the first example brush of FIGS. 1-3 in a retracted position;

FIG. 16 is a first side view of a second example brush in an extended position;

FIG. 17 is a second side view of the second example brush of FIG. 16 in the extended position;

FIG. 18 is third side view of the second example brush of FIGS. 16 and 17 in the extended position;

FIG. 19 is a top view of a housing of the second example brush of FIGS. 16-18;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the second example brush of FIGS. 16-18;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a plunger of the second example brush of FIGS. 16-18;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the housing of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the second example brush of FIGS. 16-18 taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIGS. 19, 20, and 23 taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the second example brush of FIGS. 16-18 in a first intermediate position;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the second example brush of FIGS. 16-18 in a second intermediate position;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the second example brush of FIGS. 16-18 in a retracted position;

FIG. 29 is a first side view of a third example brush in an extended position;

FIG. 30 is a second side view of the third example brush of FIG. 29 in the extended position;

FIG. 31 is third side view of the third example brush of FIGS. 29 and 30 in the extended position;

FIG. 32 is a top view of a housing of the third example brush of FIGS. 29-31;

FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the housing of FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of the third example brush of FIGS. 29-31;

FIG. 35 is a side view of a plunger of the third example brush of FIGS. 29-31;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the housing of FIGS. 32 and 33;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the third example brush of FIGS. 29-31 taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIGS. 32, 33, and 36 taken along line 38-38 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a side view of the third example brush of FIGS. 29-31 in a first intermediate position;

FIG. 40 is a side view of the third example brush of FIGS. 29-31 in a second intermediate position; and

FIG. 41 is a side view of the third example brush of FIGS. 29-31 in a retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As explained herein, the present disclosure provides brushes that may be varied in size. As non-limiting examples, the brushes may have a brush head connected to a plunger that is slidably disposed in a housing to selectively constrict the brush head on an edge of the housing.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, a first example brush 100 includes a housing 104 and a plunger 106. The plunger 106 is slidably disposed in the housing 104. The housing 104 includes a tube portion 110 and an end cap 112. The housing 104 defines a cavity 114 (see FIG. 4). The tube portion 110 has a first end 118 and a second end 120. The tube portion 110 is formed of an annular wall 122. The annular wall 122 has a neck portion 124 at the first end 118. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 10, the annular wall 122 defines a slot 126. The slot 126 extends through the annular wall 122. With reference to FIG. 12, the annular wall 122 further defines notches 128. The notches 128 extend from the slot 126 inside the tube portion 110. The slot 126 and the notches 128 are in communication with the cavity 114. In other words, the notches 128 are interior depressions of the annular wall 122. In the example of FIG. 12, the annular wall 122 defines four notches 128. It should be understood that the annular wall 122 may define any number of notches 128. In some embodiments, the annular wall 122 defines a row of ratchet teeth in place of or in addition to the notches 128 (not shown). Additionally, with reference to FIG. 4, the annular wall 122 defines an opening 130 at the first end 118. Further, the annular wall 122 forms an edge 132 at the first end 118. In the present embodiment, the housing 104 is oblong in cross section. It should be understood that the housing 104 may be any shape (e.g., circular, ovate, polygonal, etc.) in cross section. With reference to FIGS. 1-3, 10 and 12, the neck portion 124 is tapered and transitions into the edge 132.

With reference to FIG. 6, the plunger 106 includes a body 134, a brush head 136, a spring 138, a detent 140, a button 142, a tray 144, a counterweight 146, and adhesive 148. The counterweight 146 is retained in the tray 144 via the adhesive 148. The brush head 136 is also attached to the body 134 via the adhesive 148, but could be attached in any manner know to those of skill in the art. The body 134 includes a first end 154 and a second end 156. The body 134 defines a first window 158 and a second window 160. The tray 144 is disposed in the second window 160. In operation, the counterweight 146 provides inertial damping to the brush head 136. Thus, a user may better control the application of a cosmetic product with the brush head 136. With reference to FIG. 7, the body 134 further defines a well 162. The well 162 is non-circular (e.g., ellipsoid, rectilinear, polygonal, etc.). In the illustrated example, the well 162 is ovate.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the brush head 136 includes a plurality of bristles 166. In the illustrated example, the brush head 136 is generally conical. With reference to FIG. 8, each bristle of the plurality of bristles 166 includes a tip portion 170 and an undulating portion 172. The undulating portion 172 has a wave length 174. It should be understood that the brush head 136 may include any type of material format in place of or in addition to the bristles 166 (e.g., silicone strands, plastic strands, sponge strands, etc.).

With reference to FIG. 9, the detent 140 includes a slider portion 178, a spring retainer 180, a first post 182 and a second post 184. The detent 140 defines a well 186. The first post 182 and the second post 184 extend from the slider portion 178. The spring retainer 180 extends from the slider portion 178 opposite the first post 182 and the second post 184. The slider portion 178 is non-circular. In the illustrated example, the slider portion 178 is ovate. The well 186 is defined between the first post 182 and the second post 184. The slider portion 178 is between the spring retainer 180, and the first post 182 and the second post 184.

With reference to FIG. 11, the detent 140 is selectively slidably engaged with the housing 104. The slider portion 178 is slidably disposed in the well 162 of the body 134. The slider portion 178 corresponds in shape to the well 162. Because the slider portion 178 is non-circular, the slider portion 178 prevents the detent 140 from rotating in the well 162 relative to the body 134 and the notches 128. The spring retainer 180 extends into the spring 138 and aligns the detent 140 with the spring 138. The slider portion 178 abuts the spring 138. The spring 138 urges the first post 182 and the second post 184 into contact with the housing 104.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, the button 142 includes a plate 188 and a stalk 190. The plate 188 is slightly arcuate to correspond to the housing 104. The stalk 190 extends from the plate 188. With reference to FIG. 10, the plate 188 is oblong. It should be understood that the plate 188 may be any shape (e.g., circular, ovate, polygonal, etc.).

With reference to FIG. 11, the spring 138 and the detent 140 are disposed in the well 162. The detent 140 is slidably engaged with the body 134. The spring 138 contacts the body 134 in the well 162. The spring 138 urges the detent 140 out of the well 162, away from the body 134, and toward the tube portion 110 of the housing 104. The detent 140 slides along the tube portion 110 inside the cavity 114 and selectively engages the notches 128. The tube portion 110 retains the detent 140 and the spring 138 in the well 162. The stalk 190 is received in the well 186 to connect the button 142 to the detent 140. The stalk 190 extends through the annular wall 122 via the slot 126. Additionally, the body 134 is oblong in cross section. It should be understood that the body 134 may be any shape in cross section.

With reference to FIG. 1, in operation, the plunger 106 may be in an extended position 192 relative to the housing 104. The button 142 provides a hard stop against the housing 104 in the slot 126 to prevent the plunger 106 from translating outwardly from the housing 104 beyond the extended position 192. The brush head 136 extends outwardly a length Le from the housing 104 when the plunger 106 is in the extended position 192. Additionally, the density of the plurality of bristles 166 is least when the brush head is in the extended position 192.

With reference to FIG. 13, further in operation, the plunger 106 may be slid to a first intermediate position 194 relative to the housing 104. The brush head 136 extends outwardly a length Li1 from the housing 104 when the plunger 106 is in the first intermediate position 194. It should be appreciated that the length Li1 is shorter than the length Le (shown in FIGS. 1-3). With reference to FIG. 14, additionally in operation, the plunger 106 may be further slid to a second intermediate position 196 relative to the housing 104. The brush head 136 extends outwardly a length Li2 from the housing 104 when the plunger 106 is in the second intermediate position 196. It should be appreciated that the length Li2 is shorter than the length Li1 (shown in FIG. 13). With reference to FIG. 15, continuing in operation, the plunger 106 may additionally be slid to a retracted position 198 relative to the housing 104. The brush head 136 is disposed in the housing 104 when the plunger 106 is in the retracted position 198. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 13-15, in other words, the plunger 106 slidably translates in the housing 104 to selectively adjust how far the brush head 136 extends from the housing 104. In other words, plunger 106 moves relative to the housing 104 to modify the length of the portion of the brush head 136 extending out of the housing 104. Thus, the plunger 106 slidably translates in the housing 104 to selectively compress the brush head 136 against the housing 104 and expand the brush head 136 out of the housing 104.

With reference to FIG. 11, in operation, as the plunger 106 translates relative to the housing 104, the spring 138 urges the first post 182 and the second post 184 into the notches 128. When the first post 182 and the second post 184 enter the notches 128, the first post 182 and the second post 184 catch on the housing 104 and prevent further translation of the plunger 106 relative to the housing 104. The notches 128 are disposed along the housing 104 to correspond to the extended position 192 (shown in FIG. 1), the first intermediate position 194 (shown in FIG. 13), the second intermediate position 196 (shown in FIG. 14), and the retracted position 198 (shown in FIG. 15).

With reference to FIG. 11, further in operation, when the button 142 is pushed toward the body 134, the detent 140 slides inwardly into the body 134 and compresses the spring 138. As the detent 140 slides inwardly into the body 134, the first post 182 and the second post 184 move away from the housing 104. When the first post 182 and the second post 184 slide out of the notches 128 and clear the housing 104, the plunger 106 is released to translate relative to the housing 104.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 13, and 14, additionally in operation, when the plunger 106 is translated into the housing 104, the bristles 166 of the brush head 136 contact and are drawn against the edge 132. As the bristles 166 slide inwardly against the edge 132, the brush head 136 is compressed by the housing 104 and narrows. For example, when the brush head 136 moves from the extended position 192 to the second intermediate position 196, the bristles 166 are squeezed together into a compact bundle. Thus, the brush head 136 produces different cosmetic coverage patterns when placed in the extended position 192, the first intermediate position 194, and the second intermediate position 196.

With reference to FIG. 15, continuing in operation, the plunger 106 is further translated into the housing 104 to the retracted position 198, where the bristles 166 of the brush head 136 are further compressed and covered by the housing 104. The button 142 provides a hard stop against the housing 104 in the slot 126 to prevent the plunger 106 from translating farther inwardly into the housing 104 beyond the retracted position 198. Thus, the brush head 136 is stowed in the housing 104 in the retracted position 198 to protect the bristles 166 and prevent spreading of cosmetic product, for example, inside a cosmetic kit bag.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 13, and 14, further in operation, when the plunger 106 is translated out of the housing 104, the bristles 166 of the brush head 136 contact and expand against the edge 132. As the bristles 166 slide outwardly against the edge 132, the brush head 136 is loosened from the housing 104 and expands. For example, when the brush head 136 moves from the retracted position 198 to the extended position 192, the bristles 166 spread from one another into a loose fan. In other words, when the plunger 106 slides relative to the housing 104, the brush head 136 progressively changes in density of the bristles 166. More specifically, the density of the bristles 166 increases as the brush head 136 translates into the housing 104. Additionally, the density of the bristles 166 decreases as the brush head 136 translates out of the housing 104.

With reference to FIGS. 16-18 and 21, a second example brush 200 includes a housing 204 and a plunger 206. It should be appreciated that the second example brush 200 is a variation on the first example brush 100 of FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 13-15. The plunger 206 is slidably disposed in the housing 204. The housing 204 includes a tube portion 210 and an end cap 212. The housing 204 defines a cavity 214 (see FIG. 19). The tube portion 210 has a first end 218 and a second end 220. The tube portion 210 is formed of an annular wall 222. The annular wall 222 has a neck portion 224 at the first end 218. With reference to FIGS. 17 and 23, the annular wall 222 defines a slot 226. It should be appreciated that the slot 226 is longer relative to the housing 204 in the second example brush 200 the than the slot 126 is relative to the housing 104 in the first example brush 100 (shown in FIG. 2). The slot 226 extends through the annular wall 222. With reference to FIG. 25, the annular wall 222 further defines notches 228. The notches 228 extend from the slot 226 inside the tube portion 210. The slot 226 and the notches 228 are in communication with the cavity 214. In other words, the notches 228 are interior depressions of the annular wall 222. In the example of FIG. 25, the annular wall 222 defines four notches 228. It should be understood that the annular wall 222 may define any number of notches 228. In some embodiments, the annular wall 222 defines a row of ratchet teeth in place of or in addition to the notches 228 (not shown). Additionally, with reference to FIG. 19, the annular wall 222 defines an opening 230 at the first end 218. Further, the annular wall 222 forms an edge 232 at the first end 218. In the present embodiment, the housing 204 is oblong in cross section. It should be appreciated that the housing 204 in the second example brush 200 is more oblong the than the housing 104 in the first example brush 100 (shown in FIG. 5). Additionally, it should be understood that the housing 204 may be any shape (e.g., circular, ovate, polygonal, etc.) in cross section. With reference to FIGS. 16-18, 23 and 25, the neck portion 224 is tapered and transitions into the edge 232.

With reference to FIG. 21, the plunger 206 includes a body 234, a brush head 236, the spring 138, the detent 140, the button 142, a tray 244, a plurality of the counterweights 146, and the adhesive 148. The counterweights 146 are retained in the tray 244 via the adhesive 148. The brush head 236 is also attached to the body 234 via the adhesive 148, but could be attached in any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The body 234 includes a first end 254 and a second end 256. The body 234 defines a first window 258 and a second window 260. The tray 244 is disposed in the second window 260. With reference to FIG. 22, the body 234 further defines a well 262. The well 262 is non-circular. In the illustrated example, the well 262 is ovate.

With reference to FIG. 16-18, the brush head 236 includes a plurality of the bristles 166. In the illustrated example, the brush head 236 is obliquely pyramidal. In other words, with reference to FIG. 16, the brush head 236 is trapezoidal. It should be understood that the brush head 236 may include any type of material format in place of or in addition to the bristles 166 (e.g., silicone strands, plastic strands, sponge strands, etc.).

With reference to FIG. 24, the detent 140 is selectively slidably engaged with the housing 204. The slider portion 178 is slidably disposed in the well 262 of the body 234. The slider portion 178 corresponds in shape to the well 262. Because the slider portion 178 is non-circular, the slider portion 178 prevents the detent 140 from rotating in the well 262 relative to the body 234 and the notches 228. The spring retainer 180 extends into the spring 138. The slider portion 178 abuts the spring 138. The spring 138 urges the first post 182 and the second post 184 into contact with the housing 204.

With reference to FIG. 24, the spring 138 and the detent 140 are disposed in the well 262. The detent 140 is slidably engaged with the body 234. The spring 138 contacts the body 234 in the well 162. The spring 138 urges the detent 140 out of the well 262, away from the body 234, and toward the tube portion 210 of the housing 204. The detent 140 slides along the tube portion 210 and selectively engages the notches 228. The tube portion 210 retains the detent 140 and the spring 138 in the well 262. The stalk 190 extends through the annular wall 222 via the slot 226. Additionally, the body 234 is oblong in cross section. It should be understood that the body 234 may be any shape in cross section.

With reference to FIGS. 16-18 and 24-28, the second example brush 200 operates in the same manner as the first example brush 100 of FIGS. 1-3 and 13-15. Thus, in operation, the plunger 206 may be slid relative to the housing 204 into in an extended position 292 (shown in FIGS. 16-18), a first intermediate position 294 (shown in FIG. 26), a second intermediate position 296 (shown in FIG. 27), and a retracted position 298 (shown in FIG. 28). Thus, when the brush head 236 moves from the extended position 292 to the second intermediate position 296, the bristles 166 are squeezed together into a compact bundle. Further, when the brush head 236 moves from the retracted position 298 to the extended position 292, the bristles 166 spread from one another into a loose fan. In other words, when the plunger 206 slides relative to the housing 204, the brush head 236 progressively changes in density of the bristles 166. More specifically, the density of the bristles 166 increases as the brush head 236 translates into the housing 204. Additionally, the density of the bristles 166 decreases as the brush head 236 translates out of the housing 204.

With reference to FIG. 17, the button 142 provides a hard stop against the housing 204 in the slot 226 to prevent the plunger 206 from translating outwardly from the housing 204 beyond the extended position 292. With reference to FIG. 28, the button 142 provides a hard stop against the housing 204 in the slot 226 to prevent the plunger 206 from translating farther inwardly into the housing 204 beyond the retracted position 298.

With reference to FIGS. 29-31 and 34, a third example brush 300 includes a housing 304 and a plunger 306. It should be appreciated that the third example brush 300 is another variation on the first example brush 100 of FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 13-15. The plunger 306 is slidably disposed in the housing 304. It should be appreciated that the plunger 306 is longer relative to the housing 304 in the third example brush 300 the than the plunger 106 is relative to the housing 104 in the first example brush 100 (shown in FIG. 6). The housing 304 includes a tube portion 310 and an end cap 312. The housing 304 defines a cavity 314. The tube portion 310 has a first end 318 and a second end 320. The tube portion 310 is formed of an annular wall 322. The annular wall 322 has a neck portion 324 at the first end 318. With reference to FIGS. 30 and 36, the annular wall 322 defines a slot 326. The slot 326 extends through the annular wall 322. With reference to FIG. 38, the annular wall 322 further defines notches 328. The notches 328 extend from the slot 326 inside the tube portion 310. The slot 326 and the notches 328 are in communication with the cavity 314. In other words, the notches 328 are interior depressions of the annular wall 322. In the example of FIG. 38, the annular wall 322 defines four notches 328. It should be understood that the annular wall 322 may define any number of notches 328. In some embodiments, the annular wall 322 defines a row of ratchet teeth in place of or in addition to the notches 328 (not shown). Additionally, with reference to FIG. 32, the annular wall 322 defines an opening 330 at the first end 318. Further, the annular wall 322 forms an edge 332 at the first end 318. In the present embodiment, the housing 304 is oblong in cross section. It should be appreciated that the housing 304 in the third example brush 300 is more oblong the than the housing 104 in the first example brush 100 (shown in FIG. 5). Additionally, it should be understood that the housing 304 may be any shape (e.g., circular, ovate, polygonal, etc.) in cross section. With reference to FIGS. 29-31, 36 and 38, the neck portion 324 is tapered and transitions into the edge 332.

With reference to FIG. 34, the plunger 306 includes a body 334, a brush head 336, the spring 138, the detent 140, the button 142, a tray 344, the counterweight 146, and the adhesive 148. The counterweight 146 is retained in the tray 344 via the adhesive 148. The brush head 336 is also attached to the body 334 via the adhesive 148, but may be attached in any manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The body 334 includes a first end 354 and a second end 356. The body 334 defines a first window 358 and a second window 360. The tray 344 is disposed in the second window 360. With reference to FIG. 35, the body 334 further defines a well 362. The well 362 is non-circular. In the illustrated example, the well 362 is ovate.

With reference to FIGS. 29-31, the brush head 336 includes a plurality of the bristles 166. In the illustrated example, the brush head 336 is teardrop-shaped. In other words, the brush head 336 is generally ovate. It should be understood that the brush head 336 may include any type of material format in place of or in addition to the bristles 166 (e.g., silicone strands, plastic strands, sponge strands, etc.).

With reference to FIG. 37, the detent 140 is selectively slidably engaged with the housing 304. The slider portion 178 is slidably disposed in the well 362 of the body 334. The slider portion 178 corresponds in shape to the well 362. Because the slider portion 178 is non-circular, the slider portion 178 prevents the detent 140 from rotating in the well 362 relative to the body 334 and the notches 328. The spring retainer 180 extends into the spring 138. The slider portion 178 abuts the spring 138. The spring 138 urges the first post 182 and the second post 184 into contact with the housing 304.

With reference to FIG. 37, the spring 138 and the detent 140 are disposed in the well 362. The detent 140 is slidably engaged with the body 334. The spring 138 contacts the body 334 in the well 162. The spring 138 urges the detent 140 out of the well 362, away from the body 334, and toward the tube portion 310 of the housing 304. The detent 140 slides along the tube portion 310 and selectively engages the notches 328. The tube portion 310 retains the detent 140 and the spring 138 in the well 362. The stalk 190 extends through the annular wall 322 via the slot 326. Additionally, the body 334 is oblong in cross section. It should be understood that the body 334 may be any shape in cross section.

With reference to FIGS. 29-31 and 39-41, the third example brush 300 operates in the same manner as the first example brush 100 of FIGS. 1-3 and 13-15. Thus, in operation, the plunger 306 may be slid relative to the housing 304 into in an extended position 392 (shown in FIGS. 29-31), a first intermediate position 394 (shown in FIG. 39), a second intermediate position 396 (shown in FIG. 40), and a retracted position 398 (shown in FIG. 41). Thus, when the brush head 336 moves from the extended position 392 to the second intermediate position 396, the bristles 166 are squeezed together into a compact bundle. Further, when the brush head 336 moves from the retracted position 398 to the extended position 392, the bristles 166 spread from one another into a loose fan. In other words, when the plunger 306 slides relative to the housing 304, the brush head 336 progressively changes in density of the bristles 166. More specifically, the density of the bristles 166 increases as the brush head 336 translates into the housing 304. Additionally, the density of the bristles 166 decreases as the brush head 336 translates out of the housing 304.

With reference to FIG. 30, the button 142 provides a hard stop against the housing 304 in the slot 326 to prevent the plunger 306 from translating outwardly from the housing 304 beyond the extended position 392. With reference to FIG. 41, the button 142 provides a hard stop against the housing 304 in the slot 326 to prevent the plunger 306 from translating farther inwardly into the housing 304 beyond the retracted position 398. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above example brushes 100, 200, 300 aid in applying cosmetics in varying patterns. Thus, fewer brushes need be carried in a cosmetic kit. Further, because a single brush may be used to apply a cosmetic product in multiple patterns, fewer brushes need be washed and maintained by a user. Thus, the above-disclosed brushes 100, 200, 300 may aid in conserving materials and resources.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, and the like may be used to describe examples of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present disclosure. It is understood that the examples disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present disclosure. The examples described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative examples to the extent permitted by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A brush, comprising: a housing; and a brush head slidably engaged with the housing to vary one or more of a bristle density of the brush head and a length of a portion of the brush head extending from the housing.
 2. The brush of claim 1, wherein the bristle density increases as the brush head translates into the housing and the bristle density decreases as the brush head translates out of the housing.
 3. The brush of claim 1, wherein the brush head selectively translates between an extended position, an intermediate position, and a retracted position relative to the housing.
 4. The brush of claim 3, wherein the housing covers the brush head when the brush head is in the retracted position.
 5. The brush of claim 3, wherein the brush head extends outwardly from the housing when the brush head is in the extended position and in the intermediate position.
 6. The brush of claim 3, wherein the bristle density is least when the brush head is in the extended position.
 7. The brush of claim 3, further comprising a detent to selectively retain the brush head in the extended position, the intermediate position, and the retracted position.
 8. A brush, comprising: a housing; and a plunger slidably engaged with the housing, the plunger including a body, and a plurality of bristles connected to the body, the plurality of bristles being compressed by the housing when the plunger translates inwardly relative to the housing.
 9. The brush of claim 8, wherein the plurality of bristles are slidably engaged with an edge of the housing.
 10. The brush of claim 8, wherein the plurality of bristles expand when the plunger translates outwardly relative to the housing.
 11. The brush of claim 8, wherein: the housing defines a notch, and the plunger includes a detent slidably disposed in the body, a spring to urge the detent toward the housing, and a button to selectively release the detent from the notch.
 12. The brush of claim 11, wherein the housing defines a slot and the button connects to the detent via the slot.
 13. The brush of claim 11, wherein: the notch is one of a plurality of notches, and the plurality of notches are disposed along the housing to correspond to an extended position, an intermediate position, and a retracted position of the plunger.
 14. The brush of claim 11, wherein a slider portion of the detent is non-circular.
 15. A brush, comprising: a housing; a brush head slidably engaged with the housing; and a body connected to the brush head and slidably disposed in the housing to selectively compress the brush head against the housing and expand the brush head.
 16. The brush of claim 15, further comprising a detent slidably disposed in the body to selectively retain the body relative to the housing.
 17. The brush of claim 16, wherein the detent includes a slider portion, the slider portion being non-circular to prevent the detent from rotating relative to the body.
 18. The brush of claim 15, wherein the brush head is slidably engaged with an edge of the housing.
 19. The brush of claim 15, wherein the body translates in the housing to move the brush head between an extended position and a retracted position.
 20. The brush of claim 19, wherein the housing covers the brush head in the extended position. 